Solar hot water: A solar system for domestic hot water is one of the most worthwhile investments for your home. A typical house with gas water heating may incur bills of €60-€70 per month. The cost of a 200-litre thermosiphon-type solar system will be recouped in 3-4 years and provide FREE hot water for many years after.

Pool cover: The summer sun will warm your pool but a cover will conserve its heat. Even in summer, those with pool heating will sometimes keep it running to extend the pool's hours of use – but a good cover will save energy bills and soon recoup its cost.

Window film: Air conditioning is a necessity in many homes and offices. Today's inverter systems are highly energy-efficient but this can be assisted by reducing heat build-up in rooms facing the sun. Penguin recommend UFORM window film: easily applied to any window, the film effectively reduces heat build-up, allowing air-con to run at more moderate levels.